Ruth Lisette Goodrich, 87, of Tempe, Ariz. passed away on November 20, 2016.
Ruth was born May 20, 1929 in Bismarck, N.D. and grew up in Glendive. She received her Bachelors degree in Education from Montana State Univ. (‘51), and was sorority vice president and mortar board - senior women’s honorary treasurer. She taught high school athletics in Missoula, Portland, Ore. and Palo Alto, Calif., and attended post-graduate classes to further her education at Ucla, Hawaii and Stanford.
From there she married and moved to Tempe, Ariz.. Ruth resumed working in the secondary education dept. at Arizona State Univ. From there she moved to the track department, where she worked with several athletic programs and received terrific reviews from ASU staff and athletes. Ruth was warm, friendly and helpful to all.
Ruth actively contributed to a number of worthwhile charities including the March of Dimes, animal welfare groups and those supporting our police officers.
She enjoyed cheering on ASU sports and the Phoenix Suns. Ruth loved playing sports, spending time with her ladies golf group, and taking walks with her many friends. Ruth was an animal lover and had several beloved miniature poodles through the years.
Ruth is survived by her son, David and his wife Saowanee of Tempe; brother, George Samuelson and his wife Suzanne of Goodyear, Ariz.; niece, Jennifer LaPierre of Billings; and nephew, Thad Samuelson of Kellogg, Idaho.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Saturday Dec. 17th at Elegant Care Living Facility at 442 E. Sunburst Ln, Tempe, AZ 85284.
In leu of flowers, donations may be made to a charitable organization of your choice.